Dredging crews are set to survey the Oregon Inlet again this morning after they suspended operations due to shallow waters. Officials with the U-S Army Corps of Engineers say strong winds brought more sand into the inlet last week. That prevents crews from using their side-casting dredge. Bob Sattin is the chief operator for the Army Corps of Engineers in Wilmington.

Bob Sattin: A side-casting dredge is a dredge that works almost like a lawnmower would work. As it goes over the material, it sucks it up, and then casts it out to the side of the channel. The side-caster needs 5.5 feet in depth of water in order to work. Right now, Oregon Inlet is two feet deep.

Sattin says the corps' does not have the estimated $17 million to contract an ocean pipeline dredge, which works in shallow water. Oregon Inlet serves as a link to the ocean for much of the commercial fishing industry in Croatan Sound.

Inside the Industry

Senate sees solution to discharge rule

Submit your working waterfront proposal

The National Working Waterfront Network is now accepting abstracts and session proposals for the next National Working Waterfronts & Waterways Symposium, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Tampa, Fla. The deadline is Tax Day, April 15.

About Us

Advertise

National Fisherman

National Fisherman has been the industry standard for over 50 years. Readers from coast to coast depend on it to stay up to date on news, regulations, fish stocks, to research purchasing decisions and to stay informed of the newest vessel and product technology.